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Portland Timbers can seize a playoff berth

Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders

With six games remaining in the regular season that includes five games against playoff contending opponents in the Western Conference, Portland midfielder Will Johnson says it's an exciting time for the team. Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian

The Portland Timbers are in a position to earn their first-ever MLS playoff berth and they have the opportunity to write their own invitation.

The Timbers control their playoff fate in six remaining games in the regular season. They don't need help from other teams. No need to watch the scoreboard to see results of other games.

"It's always best to rely on yourself and not depend on other results," Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts said. "To have our destiny in our own hands, that's the way we wanted it at this point of the season."

If the Timbers, currently in fifth place, win - or a combination of wins and draws - to earn enough points, they're in. It's that simple. It's a position any team wants to be in as the regular season comes to a close.

"We're aware of where we stand," midfielder Will Johnson said. "Right now we sit in the last spot above the red line. There's a sense of urgency that we need to progress."

Five of the six remaining games are against teams in playoff contention. Four of the opponents are currently against teams that are ahead of the Timbers.

The games represent six-point swings.

"You don't have to do a lot of scoreboard watching, especially when teams are front of you," Johnson said.

The Timbers will play four of the final six games at home, where they are 8-1-4 this season, one of four teams (Seattle, San Jose, Dallas) with one loss at home. The Timbers next two home games are against teams - Colorado and Los Angeles - ahead of them in the standings.

The Timbers could take major steps toward avoiding finishing in fourth or fifth place and having to play a one-game, wild card playoff with wins against the Rapids and Galaxy.

"They're the reason we play the game. They're fun. They're intense. They're exciting," Johnson said. "It's good to play all these loaded Western Conference rivals at the end of the year."